Kalonzo was also recognised for his efforts to bring peace in the Sudan during his tenure as Kenya's Minister for Foreign Affairs which gave birth to the world’s newest nation-state, the Republic of South Sudan.

By Phillip MuleeFriday, 19 Aug 2016 13:34 EAT

CORD Co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka has arrived in the United States to receive a major global award recognizing him for selfless service to humanity, peace promotion and alleviation of poverty.

Kalonzo joins a league of eminent world leaders after being nominated the African Dignitary Man of the Year 2016 in the Global Officials of Dignity Awards. The awards ceremony is being held at a Humanitarian Summit at United Nations headquarters in New York City.

The Wiper Democratic Movement party leader joins a list of eminent global leaders that includes founding President of Zambia Kenneth Kaunda (Lifetime Achievement on Freedom 2015), the 10th President of Bangladesh Hon. Muhammad Ershad (Lifetime Achievement of Courage 2015) and Hon. Khil Raj Regmi, former Prime Minister of Nepal (Dignitary Man of the Year 2015).

Sources familiar with the programme indicated that Kalonzo has been nominated for the award in cognizance of his long time humanitarian work of caring for the needy in the society through Kalonzo Musyoka Foundation (KMF).

“We care for humanity, the 4th Global Officials of Dignity Awards nominating body recognises eminent personalities who have contributed to sustainable solutions to global issues such as Human Rights, World Peace, Green Environment, Education, Health, Eradication of Poverty and Empowerment", a statement from New York said in part.

Kalonzo was also recognised for his efforts to bring peace in the Sudan during his tenure as Kenya's Minister for Foreign Affairs which gave birth to the world’s newest nation-state, the Republic of South Sudan, as well as for his endeavors in providing education to over 2,000 needy and vulnerable students in Kenya through the KMF.

The former Vice President has also initiated a multi-million project, the Mama Malia Academy that caters for orphaned children and the most vulnerable from destitute families. The academy now houses over 300 children from all over Kenya.

The Wiper leader was also recognised for his efforts in the integration process of Kenyans who had been internally displaced by the 2007/2008 post-election by providing food and human necessities.

"On the basis of your unequivocal contribution to humanity, demonstrating selflessness, caring for the less privileged and your spirit of unity and integrity, I have the pleasure to announce that the GOD Awards Committee have reached a uninamious decision to recognise your Excellency as African Dignitary Man of the Year. It is our strong belief that your accomplishments should be shared with and showcased before the global audience at the United Nations", the letter of nomination says.

Kalonzo Musyoka Foundation (KMF) started as a bursary fund in 1988 that catered for the needs of bright children from poor backgrounds. The bursary fund later grew into a fully pledged foundation in 2005.

"The Foundation is geared towards ensuring that as many Kenyans as possible as uplifted from poverty through education.

"So far, thousands of students have benefited and the Foundation's main aim is to promote the ideals that include development through the creation of a just healthy, peaceful and democratic society", reads a statement on the Foundation’s website.